In a recent vote, the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council (RAC) chose not to change the PA Uniform Construction Code to incorporate the 2012 International Code Council (ICC) codes. The RAC received 140 responses from contractors and builders regarding the proposed changes to the Building Code (a link to the responses can be found here). The majority of the responses opposed the code changes, citing increased costs to builders and consumers as the main reason why the changes should be rejected.

The ICC issues new codes every three years. The current Pennsylvania Construction Code requires builders to follow the 2009 ICC codes. The next review will occur in 2015.

According to their website,

The Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council was established by Act 106 of 2008. Appointed by the governor, the 19-member council is drawn from various construction industry trades and professions and local government. The council is charged with making recommendations to the governor, the General Assembly and the Department of Labor & Industry regarding proposed changes to Act 45, the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, and reviewing the latest triennial code revisions issued by the International Code Council contained in the International Codes enforceable under the Uniform Construction Code. The council is required to submit a report to the secretary of Labor & Industry within 12 months following publication of the latest triennial codes specifying each code revision that is to be adopted as part of the Uniform Construction Code.

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Seth Niederman is an attorney with the law firm Fox Rothschild LLP. Seth practices in Fox Rothschild's Wilmington, Delaware office. You can reach Seth at 302 622 4238, or sniederman@foxrothschild.com.